In the wake of the anti-Semitic attack on a Pittsburgh synagogue that left 11 people dead, a philanthropic organization is making a significant contribution toward bolstering the security of Jewish institutions around New York.
The Paul E. Singer Foundation, which regularly supports Jewish causes, is set to provide at least $1 million toward safety reviews and enhanced precautions at synagogues, day schools, and community centers throughout the city, the organization said Monday.
“The tragedy in Pittsburgh was a painful reminder of the need to revisit our community’s security needs,” said the organization’s billionaire benefactor, hedge fund manager Paul Singer.
The seven-figure sum to seed the program will be gifted to the United Jewish Appeal – Federation of New York, which will in turn disburse funds as needed to individual institutions seeking to enhance their security measures.
UJA Federation of New York CEO Eric Goldstein thanked the foundation “for their commitment to local Jewish institutions on this critical issue.”
Examples of the improvements that the funds could go toward include surveillance cameras and outdoor security barriers, though needs could vary widely from location to location.
The foundation and UJA also plan to help the institutions arrange the official security assessments needed to apply for government funding.
The Tree of Life Synagogue — the Pittsburgh shul shattered by what’s believed to be the deadliest anti-Semitic attack in US history — received such a “security site visit” earlier this year as it prepared its application for a Department of Homeland Security “nonprofit security grant,” a federal official previously told The Post.
Singer hopes not only that the cash infusion will go a long way toward hardening vulnerable Jewish institutions, but that the example will raise awareness and spur further giving.
“This is an urgent project,” said Singer. “I hope others will join the effort.”